Parish of Santa Maria Assunta - Montecatini Terme (PT) - Tuscany
- Tuttitaly
- Feb 18
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 21
It is located in the province of Pistoia, diocese of Pescia and in November 1988 Pope John Paul II elevated it to the dignity of Minor Basilica... #tuttitaly
In the heart of Montecatini Terme, amidst the rolling hills of Tuscany, stands the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, a place of worship of extraordinary beauty and historical significance. Proclaimed a minor basilica in 1988 by Pope John Paul II, this church is a true architectural gem that captivates visitors with its understated elegance.
The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta is the result of the creative genius of important architects such as Raffaello Fagnoni, Pierluigi Spadolini, Mario Negri, and Alfonso Stocchetti. Its construction, carried out between 1953 and 1958, involved the destruction of the previous neoclassical church dating back to 1833. This gesture gave life to a new, modern, and forward-thinking building that, however, managed to maintain a connection with its historical roots.
The basilica boasts an imposing facade, preceded by an Ionic portico that lends a solemn atmosphere to the entrance. The building stands out for its octagonal plan, enriched by four chapels on the sides of the sanctuary and a soaring bell tower reaching towards the sky. The reinforced concrete load-bearing structures, covered in travertine, give solidity and grandeur to the building.
Once inside, the eyes are drawn to the splendid stained glass windows by the painter Giorgio Scalco, which filter the sunlight, creating a magical atmosphere. In the background of the sanctuary stands the Crucifix by the Florentine sculptor Sauro Cavallini, a testimony of great artistic value.
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